The primary duties of the Rail & Transit Department Lead include focus areas for operations, team management, direct projects and business development. The position reports to Section Managers within the Department and possibly additional specialty and practice leaders.

Operations

Oversight and overall responsibility of the department, delivery of services and deliverables, winning work and staff engagement

Provide leadership and direction to the Department staff in cooperation with executive, market sector, business class, and practice leaders; work cooperatively to inform corporate leadership teams about staffing needs and additional skill training needs

Responsible for meeting department business indicators and plans, including bookings, earnings, and profit; actively participate in development and implementation of the annual plan and budget for target growth goals, in cooperation with market sectors and operational management

Management oversight of the project work within the department is properly planned, organized, controlled and evaluated through the proactive project management system and monthly business reviews

Communicate, implement, and monitor department procedures, processes and adherence to corporate and company policies and project contractual terms

Team Management

Oversee project staffing and workload balancing

Manage activities of personnel within a department to provide high-quality services and to achieve or exceed plan results

Coordinate, monitor and improve technical competencies of Department staff and products to meet client needs and market drivers

Oversee hiring, performance evaluation, staff development, training, recognition, and retention





Direct Projects

Function as Principal-in-Charge/Senior Project Manager/Quality Manager and take responsibility for production on projects in addition to operations and business development responsibilities

Implement and participate in department quality assurance of project quality control procedures, represent the Quality Program and convey corporate quality goals, participate in risk management reviews, business reviews and dispute resolution activities

Business Development

Has a wide network of connections and understanding of the Transportation industry; develop relationships with industry counterparts in other consulting organizations

Be active and visible; participate in industry associations and serve as a company role‑model in business and community organizations

Support pursuits through development of strategy, participation in pursuit activities, contributes to proposal writing, fee estimates, interviews, etc.

Serve as a client manager for selected clients and maintain trusted relationships

Preferred Qualifications

Actively engaged in professional or industry associations to enhance HDR technical expertise and brand

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a Professional, Architecture, Engineering or closely related field

10 years of experience

Committed to quality,



improvement and HDR values

Maintains a professional or engineering registration and has related technical experience

Experienced in development and management of diverse teams

Works cooperatively with other area business class leaders, operations managers, technical directors and marketing managers on business class efforts

An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee‑owned culture is a must

We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long‑term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement.

The expected compensation range for this position depends upon skills, experience, education and geographical location. (Stated benefits are for full‑time regular positions. Temporary and part‑time roles eligible for limited benefits.) The pay range for Ontario: $178,000 - $228,000.

Primary Location: Canada-Ontario-Burlington
Other Locations: Canada-Ontario-Richmond Hill, Canada-Ontario-Toronto
Industry: Transit
Schedule: Full‑time
Employee Status: Regular
Business Class: Railway Design
Job Posting: Jun 24, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an affirmative action and equal chance employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.

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📌 Rail and Transit Department Lead (Ontario)
🏢 HDR
📍 Ontario